I won't be at Carson City meet  but bring it over and let the guys take a look at that thang.

"Flapper door?!?!? HUH?
Where exactly is this piece? I can't say that I've ever seen anything like that on the front of a 'Vette, up in the radiator area.
Now...on the passenger side of the cowl/firewall, down the side of the fender, there IS a hinged, "flapper door" that is the fresh air intake for the HVAC system, and it is about the size you describe. Could this be what you are looking at?
If what you are asking about is in the front, radiator area, can you get a picture of it? Ya got me curious now!

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Mine have a rectangular cutaway about the dimensions you described. Maybe some one was reinforcing the shroud design ?

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Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

 
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It may be there so you can remove the shroud without having to remove the water pump first.

Right on Darrell. That makes perfect sense. I've had them out several times without giving it a thought.

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Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

 
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Like this? These flapper shrouds were only used on 79-80 Vettes with air conditioning and the L82 motor. Electric auxiliary fan is also included with that setup. Very hard to find a replacement and expensive when you do find one.

Also part of this setup for 79 were the rubber extensions on the lower front spoiler.

mkapp78792007-05-20 09:22:58

 Yep that's the One!!!!  Obviously it is stock!  Thanks for the research now I just have to re-rivet the hinges where they are extremely loose.